Texas plant begins using sewage for tap water

Betsy Blaney, The Associated Press

Published 12:55 pm, Monday, May 13, 2013

Residents in parts of parched West Texas can now count on the flush of their toilet to help supply their drinking water.

Colorado River Municipal Water District general manager John Grant says the $13 million reclamation plant on Monday began blending treated sewage that's been turned into drinking water with treated surface water supplies. The plant began a testing phase about two weeks ago.

Water from the project adds 2 million gallons daily to the district, which serves about 250,000 customers in cities including Midland, Odessa and Big Spring, where the plant is located.

Similar plants have been operating for years in Tucson, Ariz., parts of California and in other countries. Water experts predict other American cities will follow suit as they confront growing populations, drought and other issues.